Which of the following is an effective method to measure cardiovascular fitness?

Measuring cardiovascular fitness is best assessed through the resting heart rate. This is because the resting heart rate reflects how efficiently the heart is functioning at rest and can indicate overall cardiovascular health. A lower resting heart rate typically suggests a higher level of cardiovascular fitness, as it indicates that the heart is able to pump blood more efficiently. Regular exercise, particularly aerobic training, can lead to adaptations in the cardiovascular system that lower the resting heart rate.

Body Mass Index (BMI) primarily assesses body weight in relation to height, offering a general indication of body composition rather than direct cardiovascular fitness. Waist circumference is useful for assessing abdominal fat and potential health risks associated with obesity, but it does not provide specific insights into cardiovascular endurance or fitness. Muscle strength tests evaluate the strength of specific muscle groups rather than cardiovascular fitness levels, making them unrelated to the measurement of overall cardiovascular health.

Thus, resting heart rate stands out as the most direct and effective method for evaluating cardiovascular fitness.